The Minister’s Response

Abstract

Whether it is true or not, the impression is certainly widespread in the public mind that medical men often mislead their patients into supposing that the condition of their health is less serious than it really is. In particular, it is commonly said, physicians are disinclined to give any clear warning to sick people that their life’s end is approaching. It is, of course, supposed that the intention of the physician in misleading patients in this way is to spare them mental pain and distress, and, further, that most physicians approve of such a practice on ethical grounds. Indeed, many non-medical people themselves approve of what they imagine to be standard medical practice.